I need your opinion! I recently took my son to the museum. Of course it came to the point when I had to go to the bathroom. I am very nervous about leaving my 9 year old boy alone, waiting for me to come out of the bathroom. I am terrified of child abduction. I know that this can happen to children of any age. I know that I cant take him anymore into the women's restroom anymore, but I am so nervouse about leaving him by himself. We have used the family bathrooms when available but how do I ease my mind? Please let me know what you think.
I have a 9 year old that still goes in the public restroom with me unless we are at a small place where there are only 1 person bathrooms. There are too many crazy people out there. I have never had anyone negatively comment about this but if I did I would have no problem telling them that my child's safety comes before their opinion.
Yes, you can still take your son in the restroom if it makes you feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, this is the world we live in. So, just have him stand in a spot just inside of the restroom and make sure he understands not to leave with anyone. If anyone has a problem with it, point out that the alternative is to leave him alone outside with no supervision and unless they are offering to watch him for you while you go to the bathroom, they should mind their own business.
Sorry if that sounds rude, but I’d rather be rude when my child’s safety could be compromised.
I'd say you should bring him into the restroom with you. 9 years old is still kinda young for being on his own in the men's room at a crowded place like a museum. Don't worry about what other people think. I think they'd understand just fine. Your son's safety is #1 here!
Bring him in. As long as he can behave and stand in one spot while you do your business, no one should have a problem with it. I HAVE had boys looking under the stall at me more than once though and THAT is unaccpetable, in my opinion.
I worry more about this for fathers with daugthers. There are men that use the urinals and at a certain age I do find it inappropriate for Dad's to bring their little girls in the bathroom with them, though.
T.
Ok, I must be the odd one out on this one because I don't bring my 10yr old into the bathroom with me. Instead, I have him stand close to the door and he will do a different activity that I can hear in the bathroom. Sometimes he will whistle, snap his fingers or even tap his foot against the wall - whatever I can hear inside. Sometimes this is hard, but I also have to have the trust in him to make good choices and decisions. I also usually take less than 3 minutes in the bathroom when he is waiting outside. I do this also for my 8 yr old son too. I don't feel that they should be in a womens restroom and they are embarrassed about it too. I don't stand in the mens bathroom when they are using it, instead they get timed. They have a certain amount of time to get in and get out of the bathroom and if they don't make it, then I will go in or send someone else in (depending on the situation) I know that this may ruffle some feathers of peoople but kids have to be allowed to grow up and this also eliminates the problem for my husband when he is out with our daughters.
there is nothing wrong to take your 9 yr old to the bathroom with you just tell him to stay on the side away from the stalls i don't care what other people say i rather have my child safe and secure thats for sure
Hi L.,
My children are both still young (3 & 2), but when I'm with my nephew, who turned 10 this year,I still bring him into the bathroom with me. I feel he is too young to go into a public restroom by himself. I will not risk leaving him outside by himself or let him go in the men's room by himself. I've had older women tell me he's too old to be in the women's restroom, but I'm protecting him and don't care what others may think or say. He's very good, respectful and listen's to me so he's never been a problem.
Barbara
My girlfriend came up with this one because at sometime they also have to use the boys bathroom by themselves (which I always told my boys to use the stall and lock the door) Anyway she bought a whistle and when or if at any point he felt threatened he was to blow the whistle. First of all it will scare off anyone and second everyone will look to see what is going on.
And at that age I still took them in with me if someone has a problem with that too bad,
you are protecting your child.
I have a 6 yo boy. I usually have him stand right inside the door. For a smaller venue, like a restaurant or something, I let him stand right outside. I truly don't imagine why anyone would mind - the stalls provide plenty of privacy. No one has ever commented on it but the biggest issue has been talking him into coming in - he really objects to going into the ladies room, so I try to be aware of where the family bathrooms are whenever possible.
Well I still bring a 12 year old in the womens bathroom. I have never heard anyone say anything bad. If they did I would remind them that there are sickos and bad people in this world. I would not risk my childs life just because someone is not happy about it. You can please everyone. If I were you I would defintly bring my son in the bathroom. Take your son in with you to the womens restroom. I would rather have my son safe rather than worry about what other people think.
